Arrangement for the manufacture of multilayers

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for manufacturing a multilayer carrier for electronic components. Individual layers have a printed wire pattern applied thereto by a dispenser with the required holes being made by a perforator. The apparatus manipulates the individual layers so that the final multilayer is obtained automatically. The dispenser and perforator are positioned one over the other so that a compact high accuracy arrangement is obtained. This apparatus is particularly suitable for processing layers of green ceramic.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an arrangement for the manufacture ofcarriers for electronic components, composed of several insulatinglayers, each layer provided with a printed wire pattern made ofconducting material and holes filled with conducting material for theinterconnection of the printed wire patterns of different layers,comprising a table, movable in a horizontal plane, and a dispenser, forproviding with a semifinished product placed on the movable table with aprinted wire pattern, a layer holder, movable in a horizontal plane, anda perforator, for punching holes in a layer that is to be added, andtransport means for placing the newly perforated additional layer on thesemi-finished product.

2. Discussion of the Background

An arrangement of this type is known from the Dutch patent applicationNr. 9000148. The drawback of this prior art arrangement is that itperforms the different operations side by side, as a consequence ofwhich the dimensions of the arrangement are relatively large. Thisrenders the arrangement expensive and it adversely affects the accuracyand speed with which a carrier can be produced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The arrangement according to the invention does not have this drawback,and is characterized in that the dispenser and the perforator arepositioned one over the other, enabling the different operations to beperformed over one another. A particular effect is that alignment errorsbetween the dispenser and the perforator are at least substantiallynonexistent. In order to at least substantially preclude any alignmenterrors between the table and the holder, too, the table and the layerholder, according to a favourable embodiment of the invention, are alsopositioned one over the other, such that the dispenser and theperforator perform their operations at least substantiallysimultaneously on the semifinished product and the layer to be addedrespectively, the alignment being continuously ensured owing to thefavourable disposition of the dispenser, the perforator, the table andthe holder.

A further favourable embodiment of the invention is characterized inthat the table and the layer holder effectively form one whole and thelayer holder comprises supporting means fitted to the underside of thetable, for seizing a layer on at least two opposing edges. The layerhangs then in fact on the two opposing edges, enabling the perforator towork on the layer at two sides from a free edge.

A still further favourable embodiment of the invention is characterizedin that the supporting means comprises a system of suction apertures,which systems acts on the upper side of the layer.

A still further favourable embodiment, which is technically simple toimplement and which ensures a good reproducibility, is characterized inthat the table and layer holder combination is movably positioned in afirst direction, and the dispenser and perforator combination in asecond direction, perpendicular to the first direction.

In a still further favourable embodiment the perforator comprises abaseplate supporting the layer to be processed, provided with a piercingpunch penetrating the baseplate and a die opening located above thelayer to be processed. To prevent scrap punched from the insulatingmaterial from contaminating the layer to be processed, the die openingis provided, in a favourable embodiment, with clearing means, such as asuction arrangement.

Since in view of the required tolerances manual transporting of aperforated layer is indavisable, the transport means comprise, accordingto a further inventive embodiment, a feed-out table positioned next tothe dispenser in the first direction, for taking over a perforated layerfrom the layer holder. The feed-out table is preferably a push-up table,which is pressed against the perforated layer suspended from the layerholder and positioned above the push-up table, whereupon the layerholder releases the layer. As shifting of the perforated layer on thefeed-out table is unacceptable, the feed-out table is preferablyprovided with suction apertures which retain the layer in place.

For the subsequent transportation of the perforated layer the transportmeans may further comprise a transfer table, for taking the layer fromthe feed-out table and placing it on the table or on the semifinishedproduct. An advantageous implementation of the arrangement is obtainedby attaching the transfer table to the dispenser and the perforator, sothat the transfer table can be moved in the second direction using thedrive already present. The transfer table may then for instance consistof a plate provided on the underside with suction apertures, which canbe positioned over the transfer table, whereupon the feed-out tableimplemented as push-up table presses the perforated layer against thetransfer table. Subsequently the transfer table can take over theperforated layer and move it until it is over the semifinished product,after which the table, for instance with the aid of the feed-out tableas push-up means, is moved upwards for accepting the new perforatedlayer.

With the feed-out table placed on one side next to the dispenser, thearrangement may also be provided with a feed-in table positioned on theother side next to the dispenser, for applying an unprocessed layer tothe layer holder. The feed-in table is then preferably also providedwith push-up means, such that an unprocessed layer placed manually orautomatically on the feed-in table can be pressed against the layerholder positioned above it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An arrangement according to the invention will now be explained withreference to the following figures, of which:

FIG. 1 schematically, in top view, represents a possible disposition ofthe table, the dispenser, the feed-in table, the feed-out table and thetransfer table;

FIG. 2 schematically, in front view, represents a possible dispositionof the table, the dispenser, the perforator, the layer holder, thefeed-in table, the feed-out table and the transfer table.

DISCUSSION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows in top view a table 1, comprising an already partlyassembled carrier 2, which table is capable of moving in a firstdirection 3, for instance with the aid of first guide means (not shown)and a spindle driven by a first motor (not shown). FIG. 1 additionallyshows a dispenser 4 as known in the art, with a perforator 5 positionedexactly beneath it. Dispenser 4 and perforator 5 are attached to acommon yoke 6, which can move in a second direction 7, for instancelikewise with the aid of second guide means (not shown) and a secondspindle driven by a second motor (not shown). Thus, with the aid of thefirst motor and the second motor, dispenser 4 can be positioned over anypoint of carrier 2 and, using the dispenser, a printed wire pattern canbe traced on the upper surface of carrier 2 according to a method knownin the art.

Besides, FIG. 1 shows a feed-in table 8 on which, manually orautomatically, a yet unprocessed insulating layer 9 can be placed which,after holes have been punched in it in a manner to be subsequentlydescribed, will eventually be placed on carrier 2. Use is made in thisprocess of a feed-out table 10, on which a perforated insulating layer11 can be placed temporarily, before it can be transferred, in a mannerto be subsequently described in greater detail, to carrier 2 by atransfer table 12 likewise shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows in front view table 1, comprising the already partlyassembled carrier 2, the feed-in table 8 comprising an as yetunprocessed layer 9 and the feed-out table 10 comprising an insulatinglayer 11 already provided with perforations. Furthermore is shown alayer 13, suspended from a layer holder 14, layer holder 14 effectivelyforming one whole with table 1 and provided with suction apertures 15,on which an underpressure is maintained via a suction system (notshown), such that layer 13 sticks to layer holder 14. As layer 13 isattached at two edges only, the remaining surface of layer 13 is fullyaccessible to perforator 5, which consists of a base plate 16, providedwith an automatically actuatable piercing punch 17, penetratingbaseplate 16, and a die opening 18 which cooperates with piercing punch17. To die opening 18 is connected a suction arrangement 19, whichallows for the clearing away of the scrap produced during punching. Alsoshown is dispenser 4 which applies, at least substantiallysimultaneously with the punching of the holes, the required printedwires to the layer already provided with holes in the preceding processoperation, which layer now forms the top layer of carrier 2.

Usually, if a layer 13 is stuck to layer holder 14, there will be noperforated layer 11 on feed-out table 10, as removing the layer, i.e.placing it on carrier 2, is the obvious course of action before theproduction of a new layer is begun.

The complete process cycle of a carrier 2 may now be described asfollows:

On feed-in table 8 an unprocessed insulating layer 9 is placed. Layerholder 14, with the aid of the first motor, is positioned over thelayer, and feed-in table 8 is pushed upwards with the aid of push-upmeans, for instance a pneumatically actuated system of bellows, fittedbelow feed-in table 8. As soon as the layer lies against layer holder14, underpressure is applied to the suction apertures 15, causing thelayer to be held fast. Then table 1, and with it also layer holder 14,is brought into the position in which the perforator can make therequired holes in the layer. In this case, for the correct positioning,the first and the second motors are controlled in combination.Simultaneously with the holes being punched, dispenser 4 may apply, onthe top surface of a carrier 2 or a semifinished product that ispossibly already present on table 1, the required printed wire patternand fill the holes in the layer manufactured in a previous processoperation, in places where a connection with an underlying layer isneeded.

When all the holes have been made layer holder 14 is positioned, withthe aid of the first motor, above feed-out table 10, whereupon feed-outtable 10, with the aid of push-up means, is moved against the perforatedlayer. Then the underpressure on suction apertures 15 is removed, sothat the perforated layer comes to rest on feed-out table 10. Asshifting the layer at this moment would be disastrous to the endproduct, the feed-out table 10 has also been provided with suctionapertures, with which the layer can be immobilized. Subsequently yoke 6is shifted, with the aid of the second motor, such that transfer table12 is moved over the perforated layer. With the aid of the push-up meansof feed-out table 10 the perforated layer is pressed against transfertable 12, whereupon the suction apertures fitted to the underside oftransfer table 12 take over the perforated layer. Table 1 issubsequently moved, with the aid of the first motor, below theperforated layer, such that this layer is positioned exactly over thepartly assembled carrier 2 which may be already present on table 1.Next, with the aid of the push-up means of the feed-out table 10 whichis now positioned below table 1, table 1, which is movable in a verticalsense, is pushed upwards, the perforated layer ending up on top of thepartly assembled carrier 2. The perforated layer is pressed with someforce on to carrier 2, whereupon the underpressure is removed from thesuction apertures fitted in transfer table 12.

The completed carrier may finally be removed manually from table 1, forany further processing.

Before the perforated layer is placed on the already partly assembledcarrier 2 it is usually necessary for the printed wire pattern appliedby dispenser 4 to the top layer of carrier 2 to be left drying. In thiscase use can advantageously be made of drying techniques known in theart, based on heating using an infrared source, on a forced air streamor on underpressure applied locally to the top layer. Additionally itmay be useful, depending on the type of layer employed for the buildingup of carrier 2, to apply a local or integral coat of glue between thelayers. This may for instance be achieved with the aid of an additionaldispenser, which is not described further here because for this type ofoperation tolerances are not critical.

With some types of layer it is unnecessary to apply a glue coat, becausethe layers are mutually immobilized in a subsequent operation. This isfor instance the case with layers made from green ceramic, when thecarriers during the subsequent operations are pressed together andbaked. If gluing is not necessary or undesirable it is recommendable toimmobilize the semifinished product, which on table 1 is exposed tostrong accelerations during the application of the printed wiring, in adifferent way, for instance using an automatically controlled clampingdevice that seizes two opposing edges of the top layer of carrier 2,which previously made contact with layer holder 14.

For the control of the motors, the push-up tables, the dispenser, theperforator and the various suction apertures a suitably programmedcomputer, as usual in the art, can be employed.

We claim:
 1. Arrangement for the manufacture of carriers for electroniccomponents, composed of several insulating layers, each layer providedwith a printed wire pattern made of conducting material and holes filledwith conducting material for the interconnection of the printed wirepatterns of different layers, comprising a table, movable in ahorizontal plane, and a dispenser, for providing a semifinished productplaced on the movable table with a printed wire pattern, a layer holder,movable in a horizontal plane, and a perforator, for punching holes in alayer that is to be added, and transport means for placing the newlyperforated additional layer on the semifinished product, characterizedin that the dispenser and the perforator are positioned one over theother.
 2. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that thetable and the layer holder are positioned one over the other, and inthat the dispenser and the perforator perform their operations at leastsubstantially simultaneously on the semifinished product and the layerto be added respectively.
 3. Arrangement as claimed in claim 2,characterized in that the table and the layer holder effectively formone whole and the layer holder comprises supporting means fitted to theunderside of the table, for seizing a layer on at least two opposingedges.
 4. Arrangement as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that thesupporting means comprise a system of suction apertures, which systemacts on the upper side of the layer.
 5. Arrangement as claimed in claim2 characterized in that the table and layer holder combination ismovably positioned in a first direction, and the dispenser andperforator combination in a second direction, perpendicular to the firstdirection.
 6. Arrangement as claimed in claim 5, characterized in thatthe perforator comprises a baseplate supporting the layer to be added,provided with a piercing punch and a die opening which is located abovethe layer to be processed.
 7. Arrangement as claimed in claim 6,characterized in that the die opening is provided with clearing means,for the removal of scrap punched from the insulating material. 8.Arrangement as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the clearingmeans comprise a suction arrangement.
 9. Arrangement as claimed in claim5, characterized in that the transport means comprise a feed-out tablepositioned next to the dispenser in the first direction, for taking overa perforated layer from the layer holder.
 10. Arrangement as claimed inclaim 9, characterized in that the feed-out table is provided withpush-up means.
 11. Arrangement as claimed in claim 10, characterized inthat the transport means also comprise a transfer table, for taking theperforated layer from the feed-out table and placing it on the table.12. Arrangement as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that thetransfer table with the dispenser can move in the second direction. 13.Arrangement as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the transfertable comprises a plate, provided on the underside with suctionapertures, which is movable together with the dispenser and theperforator.
 14. Arrangement as claimed in claim 1, characterized in thatalso is provided a feed-in table positioned next to the dispenser in thefirst direction, for applying an unprocessed layer to the layer holder.15. Arrangement as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that thefeed-in table is provided with push-up means.
 16. Arrangement as claimedin claim 3, characterized in that the table and layer holder combinationis movably positioned in a first direction, and the dispenser andperforator combination in a second direction, perpendicular to the firstdirection.
 17. Arrangement as claimed in claim 4, characterized in thatthe table and layer holder combination is movably positioned in a firstdirection, and the dispenser and perforator combination in a seconddirection, perpendicular to the first direction.
 18. Arrangement asclaimed in claim 16, characterized in that the perforator comprises abaseplate supporting the layer to be added, provided with a piercingpunch and a die opening which is located above the layer to beprocessed.
 19. Arrangement as claimed in claim 17, characterized in thatthe perforator comprises a baseplate supporting the layer to be added,provided with a piercing punch and a die opening which is located abovethe layer to be processed.
 20. Arrangement as claimed in claim 16,characterized in that the transport means comprise a feed-out tablepositioned next to the dispenser in the first direction, for taking overa perforated layer from the layer holder.